When I began serving in Awana in the early 90’s I quickly became aware of how God was using Awana to reach children and youth. I thought that there were thousands of churches (clubs) using Awana and how much more effective we all could be if we shared ideas and networked together. This comes with a realization that what works in the Southern part of the country may not work in the northern part, but we can communicate and help one another.
Without going into all of the history, that first website became what you see now – CommanderBill.net.
Through the decades my intent was never to compete with Awana, rather to compliment what they were providing to help the local club and the individual leader. A way to get information to the masses and help them along this journey of using Awana. The goal has always been to help connect people together, that serve in Awana, so that we might all reach children and youth more effectively. Currently, Facebook is one of the premier avenues to network with others and have a dialogue about ministry. I have seen this through my attempts to connect people. I am amazed at the conversations taking place in some of the groups that I administer.
Awana has a presence on Facebook, though not often utilized as it could. Listed below are different Facebook groups, their descriptions, and who administers them to help you connect with others to help you connect with others and reach more children and youth for Him.
Awana Ministry Directors (Commanders) – Part of the Commander Bill Network
A group for those serving as the person overseeing the entire Awana club – not the T&T director, Sparks director, etc.
Awana Ministry Directors – Administered by Awana
Description of the group as shown on Facebook – This is a private group set up for interaction as we develop the leadership tool for new Awana Ministry Directors. – The group is open to more than just AMDs.
Commander Bill – Part of the Commander Bill Network
A place to discuss anything Awana. Share ideas with others, seek guidance, and realize that you are not alone in your Awana ministry. General discussion and information about Awana for any Awana leader or person interested in Awana, and Commander Bill
Awana Share – Part of the Commander Bill Network
A place to share surplus material (handbooks, uniforms, etc) that you have to share with other clubs and to seek items that you may need.
Awana Preschool (Puggles/Cubbies) – Administered by Awana
Awana Sparks – Part of the Commander Bill Network
Awana T&T – Part of the Commander Bill Network
AwanaYM Trek Leaders – Administered by AwanaYM
AwanaYM Journey Leaders – Administered by AwanaYM
It’s Gametime at Awana! – Originated by Karl Bastian (Kidology)
This is a group for Awana Game leaders OR ANYONE WHO DOES GAMES AT CHURCH to share ideas, games, pictures and videos.
AwanaGO – Administered by Awana
Focuses on the international arm of Awana and reaching children around the globe.
Summit – Administered by Summit
The National Event for High Schoolers using the Awana Journey material.
Several Awana Missionaries also have Facebook groups or pages for their ministry. Please search these out to keep informed of local events and news.
If you are on Facebook (and yes I know that not everyone is), then I encourage you to join these groups and get in on the conversation. Some groups are more active than others. I am present and active in the groups that are a part of the Commander Bill network.
Like in the beginning, the goal is to network to help one another in our ministries. Facebook is but one tool to accomplish this goal.
* If you have requested to join one of the groups in the Commander Bill network and have not yet been approved, then please contact me as I may just need to verify some things (or I got busy).
Thanks, as always, for this useful info!